The BankWorks Training Program (stylized BankWork$) is a free bank teller training program that prepares young adults for entry-level positions with career potential. The BankWorks Training Program helps young adults from low-income communities build meaningful careers in banking, through an 8-week course that offers placement assistance, and ongoing coaching. We work in communities where we can have the greatest impact, where young adults lack access to employment opportunities, and where employers have positions to fill.
BankWorks Training Program is a signature outreach of the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation. BankWorks started in Los Angeles in 2006 in partnership with JVS SoCal with one class, a few bank partners, and 10 graduates. Since then, our program has expanded to include more than 80 banks.
As of June 2020, the BankWorks Training Program takes place in 13 cities across the United States—Atlanta, Bay Area, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma.
We create alliances so employees and employers succeed.
In collaboration with local workforce development partners, banks and financial institutions, we connect great hires with great careers, and ensure participants and employers thrive. 72 percent of BankWorks training program graduates remain with their employer after 12 months.
Our comprehensive training provides the skills needed for any entry-level position in banking with career potential. It focuses on hard skills for on-the-job success in banking, and the soft skills needed to succeed as a professional anywhere. Our list of opportunities include free bank teller training, free customer service rep training, and free relationship or personal banker training.
We introduce employers to qualified, diverse talent, ready to grow their careers.
The Bankworks Training Program connects young adults who have the attitude and aptitude for success, but lack opportunities to meaningful employment to employers who are looking for their talent but might not otherwise find it. Graduates come from the communities they serve, help strengthen local relationships, and fulfill employers’ organizational goals. BankWork$ is signature program of the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, using the CareerWork$ training model.
We choose communities where underemployment is prevalent and support is needed.
Participants train for success in banking and beyond.
Young adults learn how to create a positive impression, build relationships with clients and co-workers, and problem-solve. They practice speaking confidently in front of a group, interviewing successfully, and giving and receiving constructive feedback. They are also guided to identify and apply transferable customer-facing skills from past employment to future careers.
Every graduate has an opportunity to interview with our industry partners.
At each graduation, participants interview for open positions with industry partners. They receive far more personal attention than they might during a standard job fair or online application process. They graduate prepared for their first day on the job, with the confidence that they can and will succeed, and are supported through mentorship as they grow in their new career.